16 Rice Recipes That Are Anything But Basic

Rice doesn’t have to be boring. These 16 rice recipes show how easy it is to turn a simple ingredient into something worth getting excited about. From hearty meals to creative twists, there is a dish for every craving.

Tex Mex Casserole with Ground Beef

A casserole dish with tex mex beef casserole.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This easy Tex Mex Casserole is a crowd-pleasing recipe that is in high rotation in many kitchens. A cheesy, baked dish with ground beef and beans. A filling meal that is packed with protein. Get the recipe: Tex Mex Casserole

How to Make Spanish Paella

Overhead image  of Spanish Paella.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

Paella is the ultimate Spanish dish with saffron-infused rice, meat, seafood, and veggies. It’s a crowd-pleaser with bold, traditional flavors that’s easier to make than you’d think. Get the recipe: How to Make Spanish Paella

Chicken and Rice Salad

A bowl of chicken and rice salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This chicken and rice salad with fresh basil and lemon is a refreshing and flavorful recipe that combines tender chicken, hearty rice, and fragrant basil with a tangy lemon dressing. It is easy to make and perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Get the recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A bow of chicken and wild rice soup.
Image Credit: The Honour System

A warm and comforting meal in a bowl! Learn how to make chicken wild rice soup, a creamy chicken soup that is full of flavor. Enjoy the taste of turmeric, ginger, coconut milk, fresh basil, and rich chicken broth. Get the recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Taco Rice Bowl Recipe with Ground Beef

A taco rice bowl topped with salsa, sour cream and guacamole.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This taco rice bowl recipe with ground beef is a healthy and popular family dinner. This easy meal all comes together in less than thirty minutes! Get the recipe: Taco Rice Bowl Recipe with Ground Beef

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Cilantro lime mixture being stirred into a pot of warm rice.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This cilantro lime brown rice Chipotle copycat recipe is a tasty and aromatic side dish. The flavorful combination of fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice makes it a popular choice for Mexican and Southwestern-inspired dishes. Get the recipe: Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Cowboy Caviar Salad

A bowl of cowboy caviar salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Turn Texas Caviar into this healthy cowboy caviar salad. Rice, black beans, corn, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a sweet and spicy chili maple dressing. A delicious lunch or side dish for a BBQ. Get the recipe: Cowboy Caviar Salad

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Overhead image of Mexican beef and rice skillet.
Image Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight

Mexican beef and rice skillet is an easy, one-pan meal that brings big flavor with minimal effort. This simple recipe turns ground beef into a hearty, no-fuss dinner. Get the recipeMexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Crispy Rice Salad

A bowl of crispy rice salad.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Crispy rice salad is blowing up on TikTok, and it’s easy to see why. Made with leftover rice, fresh veggies, and simple Asian-inspired seasonings, it works as a light meal, side dish, or a main with added protein. Get the recipeCrispy Rice Salad

Peanut Butter Fried Rice

A bowl of peanut butter rice.
Image Credit: The Fruity Jem

A nutty and savoury peanut butter rice that only requires 5 minutes of actual cooking. This recipe is a delicious one-pot meal that is a quick, wholesome, and healthy dinner. Get the recipe3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Rice

Rice Salad with Tuna

A bowl of rice salad with tuna with a fork in it.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This rice salad with tuna is packed with protein and flavor. It’s easy to make, really satisfying for lunch or a light dinner, and an excellent option for meal prep. Get the recipe: Rice Salad with Tuna

How to Cook Brown Rice in Broth

A small bowl of brown rice cooked in broth.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Learn how to cook brown rice in broth and add extra flavour and richness to your dish. This easy method gives you a batch of tender, chewy rice and is always perfect. Get the recipe: How to Cook Brown Rice in Broth

Fruit and Nut Salad

Fruit and nut salad in a bowl.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This fruit and nut salad has a really great texture with tons of delicious flavours. It features dried fruit and toasted nuts mixed with whole grain rice and a lovely, fresh dressing. It is nicknamed ‘trail mix salad’. Get the recipe: Fruit and Nut Salad

Spicy Shrimp Bowl with Rice

Overhead image of spicy shrimp bowl.
Image Credit: A Latin Flair

This spicy shrimp bowl with rice and peach avocado salad is both delicious and nutritious. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, it comes together in under 30 minutes for a flavorful and colorful meal. Get the recipeSpicy Shrimp Bowl

Enchilada Chicken Rice Bake

Chicken enchilada bake in a casserole dish.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Mexican-style rice is so popular, why not spin it into a full meal? By using whole grain rice, this enchilada chicken rice bake is much more nutritious, making it a delicious gluten-free choice the family will gobble up. Get the recipe: Enchilada Chicken Rice Bake

Easy Fried Rice

A plate of easy fried rice.
Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

This Chinese fried rice is perfect for any night, better than takeout, and customizable. Serve it solo or with your favorite Asian dishes. Get the recipe: Easy Fried Rice

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